Pope Leo XIV has unveiled his prayer intention for December, calling on the faithful to remember Christians living in regions affected by war and conflict, and to pray that they may become instruments of peace. As he prepares for his Apostolic Journey to Türkiye and Lebanon, the Pope released the latest edition of The Pope Video on Wednesday, focusing on those enduring the hardships of conflict zones.
“Let us pray that Christians living in areas of war or unrest, particularly in the Middle East, may become seeds of peace, reconciliation, and hope,” Pope Leo XIV said in the video. He offered a heartfelt prayer to the God of Peace, asking that those surrounded by suffering experience the “gentle kindness of Your presence and the prayers of their brothers and sisters in faith.” He emphasized the need for strengthened fraternal bonds, encouraging believers to become agents of reconciliation who build hope, justice, and mercy in their communities.
The Pope also urged all Christians not to turn a blind eye to the suffering of others, but instead to actively work as builders of unity, even in the most challenging circumstances.
The Vatican’s Worldwide Prayer Network, which produces the monthly Pope Video, highlighted the connection between the Pope’s prayer intention and his forthcoming visit to Türkiye and Lebanon. Despite instability in the Middle East, Christian communities continue to uphold their faith, serve the poor, and collaborate with people of other religious traditions to foster coexistence.
“According to Aid to the Church in Need’s Religious Freedom Report 2025,” the statement noted, “ongoing conflicts and difficult socio-economic conditions in the Middle East leave religious minorities, particularly Christians, extremely vulnerable.” Yet, these communities display “unshakable faith even in the midst of rubble,” offering both spiritual and humanitarian support while rebuilding after recent wars. Their resilience, the communique emphasized, is a sign of the Holy Spirit at work “the source of hope in the darkest times,” as the Pope describes.
God of peace,
who through the blood of Your Son has reconciled the world to Yourself,
today we pray for Christians living amidst wars and violence.
Even surrounded by pain, may they never cease to feel the gentle kindness of Your presence and the prayers of their brothers and sisters in faith.
Through You, and strengthened by fraternal bonds, may they become seeds of reconciliation, builders of hope in ways both small and great, capable of forgiving, bridging divides, and seeking justice with mercy.
Lord Jesus, who called blessed those who work for peace, make us Your instruments of peace even where harmony seems impossible.
Holy Spirit, source of hope in the darkest times, sustain the faith of those who suffer and strengthen their hope. Do not let us fall into indifference, and make us builders of unity, like Jesus.
Amen.
Pope Leo XIV’s December intention serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring strength of Christian communities in conflict zones and calls on the global faithful to offer prayers, solidarity, and hope to those living amid uncertainty and violence.